The OECS Commission has embarked on a major initiative aimed at establishing a significantly improved and harmonized building code for the OECS sub-region.

The building code initiative is part of iLand Resilience, the Commission’s Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Land Management Project funded by the European Union.

Saint Lucian Environmental Engineer, Alison King, and her team are conducting this phase of the program which is fundamental to the adoption and implementation of the code.

"The purpose of my current assignment is to provide technical assistance towards the implementation of the building code to facilitate the safe and economical design and construction of buildings," Ms. King said.

The present phase includes reviewing existing regional and international development control systems and their administrative provisions and practices for implementing national building codes; assessing their adequacy for implementing national building codes within member states of the OECS; developing an action plan and associated costs to facilitate implementation; and designing a public awareness and communication strategy to support implementation.

Consultations are currently ongoing in OECS member states.

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